Monday, October 16, 2017

The infighting in the Libertarian Party is
at one of the highest levels many long time members have seen in years.
It’s at a level that has many new members questioning their commitment to the party.

Toward the beginning of the Obama
Administration people seemed to feel that the Libertarian Party was Republicans
who like to smoke weed. Today it seems that the party has turned to being
liberals that don’t like taxes. The stress has increased with the extreme
right and the extreme left movements that are outside of the party causing
those that lean each way to argue about whose side to take – if any. On
top of that there are those who are arguing with both sides within the party,
that both sides outside of the party are equally as bad.

And these are just the current events. Since the beginning there has been
a struggle between those that simply want to reduce government with those that
want to remove it. Usually this is because many of those wanting to
remove government are overly militant with defending violence against those in
the government as self-defense because they are aggressing through the
government, making it difficult for the peaceful ones to convince people that
life would not be overly violent without government.

So – what is wrong with the Libertarian
Party that they cannot easily unite? Why can’t they work together?
What is leadership doing so wrong they are attacked every day?

The answer is actually nothing in
particular.

But then why all the extreme
infighting? Well, there are several reasons.

Besides the proportionally few actual harassment issues with in parties (which
parties do NEED to address); more people are either getting involved in
politics, or simply complaining about it. With more people involved, more
opinions are thrown into the mix – and they don’t always coincide with each
other. This is not unique to the Libertarian Party. The old parties
(the Republican and Democrat Parties) have the same issues, they’ve simply been
around longer so they have a more solid “establishment” to maintain a more
unified appearance. But that is the word…appearance. Those that are
complaining about them have either been fiercely fighting with in their parties
or leaving to one that makes more sense to them now.

Leaving a party does not mean that they
have necessarily changed (it could be that-but the parties have known to shift
in policy support over the years also). Parties shift stances over the
course of several years, however, the Libertarian Party tends to swing a little
faster because whenever one party is in control of the government, more people
from the losing side get frustrated with their own party, and decide to come to
the best possibility at changing things-the 3rd largest
party-the Libertarian Party.

This causes the LP to see more fluctuation than the established parties, and
can cause more strife. But the real issue even lies deeper than different
factions within a party. There will always be factions, but the swing of
difference shouldn’t be as wide as they are in the larger 3 to 4 parties.

The issue is our government being set up
to be more of a 2 party system than truly representative. It causes
smaller groups of people to join with larger groups of people that may not be
the best fit for them, just to attempt to balance their ideas out. If we
had more parties that better represented ideas people had, there would be more
cohesions within the parties. Yes, there would still be infighting, but there
would be more choices. And perhaps a voter could finally find the
one they fit with best. In addition, if
there were more parties to choose from, if individuals do find they are being
harassed or mistreated by an organization they could more easily leave than
have to deal with an abusive “relationship”.

The infighting of all parties are caused by the election system we have and
there are ways to change this. Perhaps, instead of talking about who will
control each party; maybe people should be working together to make the
environment more friendly for more parties. If there was a party that
nearly represented the majority of voters we wouldn’t have 40% of registered
voters not voting each election – because they have someone they can vote for.

We may be able to get a few people in here
and there but until we tackle the issues keeping us from breaking the glass
ceilings of the political party class we will stay stuck in a cycle that forces
us to pick and choose from options that may not be right for us individually;
and people may continue to blame the minor parties for not succeeding versus
the system that holds them back. Would
tactics need to change for this to happen?
Definitely, but this does not mean that the parties need to change their
platforms.

The United States needs to break the yolk
of the 2 party system in order to move our country forward in a system that is
run by the people versus a system by oligarchy.
Hopefully the minor parties of the country can at least work together
for ballot initiatives where possible to pass election reforms such as Ranked
Choice Voting and Independent Redistricting.
Focusing on a few collective proposals could be the change the system
needs in order for more people to feel they are truly being represented instead
of feeling marginalized just to make the smallest things happen. There are active groups working on the two
initiatives mentioned already, and not all of the choices are going to be
exactly what everyone wants in them, but imagine what these proposals could do
for the representation of the people.

Over all there may be some things that are
wrong with the Libertarian Party, but what an individual may find wrong with it
may simply be that it is not the right party for them. If you are questioning the party you are
working with, you can check out www.isidewith.com. The quiz even lets
you see how you align with parties. Not
all parties are listed but the site can help you see what friends you align
with too and you can ask them who they work with. The main thing is to find a group you CAN
work with in order to continue to represent you the best.

Kimberly McCurry a former officer of a state Libertarian Party who seeks a serious effort in the Liberty movement in taking over political committees through elections throughout the country.

Wednesday, September 6, 2017

Trump's recent executive order to repeal "Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals" has been making the news lately, with much heated debate between both Democrats and Republicans.

The Libertarian Party recently announced that it was denouncing the end of DACA, completely missing the mark and making themselves look like fools to much of their own party.

Quite honestly, the national party completely blew it. This could have been our time to shine, to point out how flawed the two-party system truly is, and how dangerous legislation through executive mandate can be, that one administration's policies can simply be undone with the stroke of a pen by the next administration, and that without following the process of turning a bill into law, that these executive orders are counter-productive to the welfare of our great nation.

Executive orders are the most removed from representation possible. There's a reason our laws are supposed to be approved by both the House and Senate - to ensure equal representation. Unilaterally implementing an executive order to change the immigration system does not present fair and equal representation of the people.

Our immigration system is very broken, and any executive order such as DACA is just a temporary, short-term fix, which can be easily undone as we've seen in these past few days. We must press Congress to permanently fix our immigration system through legislation. By ending the DACA executive order, congress must now act.

If this was a sudden, abrupt end to DACA, then the LP's article would be much more appropriate. It isn't. This is a 6-month phase-out, giving congress plenty of time to push through legislation to reform our broken immigration system and fix things permanently. Instead, the LP went with the kneejerk "sky is falling" reaction.

In a time when the country is so divided, and every reaction to government actions so polarized, the Libertarian Party could shine as the voice of calm and reason.

But just like when the LP Vice Chair called service members moralless murderers, the national party seems completely out of touch with its members.

DM: City Council candidate for Bremerton, WA is our guest today for an in-depth look at his campaign and plans. Thank you for joining us, Allen Mathews. Let's start off with a quick recap on what has lead you to this 2017 run and how things have been so far?

AM: First and foremost, thank you and the LCI for conducting the interview. What has led me to run in the first place? Well I would have to say it was finding out about hidden utility taxes. Former Bremerton city councilman Roy Ruby on and Mr. Robert Parker explained this all to me. In December the budget for 2017 showed 5.5 million dollars being siphoned off the utilities and into the general fund. This action submitted the idea to run, I watched the incumbent motion or second then vote yes on every bill that dealt with the text of utilities.

As far as how things have been campaigning, I guess great considering this is my first time running for public office. Voters are generally willing to talk and appreciate when you have a dialogue with them. Because of that dialogue I formed a non partisan platform that no one has complained about.

DM: Very important reasons to run this year and congratulations on taking the plunge to represent the people of Bremerton, WA. With that said, what other issues do you consider top priority for the city? What issues are you tackling that other candidates are not addressing?

AM: The other issues that I know haven't been brought up by either opponent is honest governance. I don't like hidden agendas when I comes to the services that the public pays for. That even goes into unreasonable justifications for spending.

I want to help develop means of repairing the decaying infrastructure that doesn't revolve around the current crisis management of waiting until there is Grant money.

There is a dire need of a hospital in Bremerton with the CHI Franciscans but our of Harrison Hospital. I want to work with the council, the mayor and the elected officials of the 23rd and 26th LD to get a second provider in the county to compete with CHI.

Because of the rising homeless and low income population there has been concern about Bremerton housing authority and Kitsap housing authority practices of not ensuring vouchers not staying in their immediate area. We need to ensure that our local funds stay local.

DM: Transparency is always a refreshing welcome in politics. Holding true to that; what are your plans on working with your peers on the council and the mayor? There is a lot of work to be completed in Bremerton.

AM: David I am a USN Veteran, I took an oath twice in my career with the Navy. City council is no different; there is an oath to uphold and defend the BMC (Bremerton Municipal Code), the RCW's, WAC, USC and the Constitution of the State and USA. I plan to work with my peers while best representing my voters within the scope of those laws, I plan to hold them accountable to their oaths as they should with me. This is part of the reason I call myself the Voice of Reason, If the voters or the fellow members don't particularly like a law, I am willing to help guide them in the right direction to get in contact with those who can change the law, such as State Legislators or Representative Derek Kilmer, Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell. And with transparency I am ready to talk to voters on any vote I cast; I actually encourage the criticism that comes with the position.

DM: If you could tell existing council one thing right now for them to hear about your ideas, what would your message be?

AM: I have already started building a report with sitting council members who are not at risk of losing their seats, or not up for election. They know where I stand already on most things. The most important item is if they can not bring an ordinance change to the utilities on their own, be prepared for a voter initiative that I fully support coming down the road to change the utilities taxes and funding that they cannot control.

DM: How can citizens contribute towards your campaign? Are you accepting donations or volunteers for your campaign? If so how would they be able to contact you? What social media sites and or websites can you provide for us here?

DM: Mr. Mathews, this has been a pleasure and glad we were able to cover so much detail about your campaign and issues you will be addressing as Bremerton City Council member. Are there any other thoughts or points you would like to leave with those who are watching? You have the floor.

AM: David thank you for the time to speak. I am grateful for the support the Kitsap LP had afford me by endorsement, donations and volunteers. As we get closer to primary date I'll be picking it into high gear to ensure that I am the Voice of District 1 and the Voice of Reason at the Dias. Thank you again and continue the great work with LCI.

Saturday, July 1, 2017

On June 16th, 2017 A group of families who have had their children seized by the Department of Child Safety (DCS/CPS) and other activists took to the streets of Phoenix, AZ. Many of them just want their story heard and for their children to be returned safely.

This is a huge issue here in Arizona. The state of Arizona doesn't have to have warrants to seize children unlike other states. DCS is loosely regulated and there are stories of abuse of power in various forms during investigations. This has had media coverage for the last year but legislatively nothing has been accomplished. Between 2011 and 2015 there was a sharp increase of children being taken away. 4,500 more children were taken away in 2015 than in 2011. If you look at the numbers you can tell there is a problem. However this is more than just about numbers. This is about rights of parents as well as children. Without seeking warrants (for non life endangered cases) to remove children from their parents homes and severing parental rights this goes against the 4th amendment. There's been cases of abuse in group and foster homes. Some of the abuse has been severe and those numbers continue to rise. While the department has been in trouble before for letting family abuse cases go in the past, they have turned the other direction where they are taking children away for simple issues in the family care. There are many sides to this issue but are these numbers and stories alarming to you?

Above Part one of the Rally

Above is the start of the Rally going into the detention of a family member Beth Young Breen and AZ Gubernatorial candidate/activist Merissa Hamilton. They were held for most of the day at Maricopa County Jail in Downtown Phoenix after blocking the street during an order to disperse out of the street. Bond was paid and both of them were released by June 17th.

Above Part 2 of the Rally

Above Part 3 of the Rally

Parents speak out There was a point where we had to wait for light rail and a signal. This is where parents decided to speak a little on their thoughts on DCS and children being taken from their parents.

DM: Everett City Council candidate, Jennifer Hesse joins LCI today to talk about her run and what she would like to see happen in Everett. Thanks for being with us, Jennifer. What inspired you to run for City Council this year and how has the campaign gone so far?

JH: ​Hi David, thanks for having me! I am running for city council because Everett residents a​re not being heard by their current representatives. It is important for us to listen to the communities we are impacting with our decisions and take their opinions into account, especially if we do not live in those neighborhoods. It is also for this reason I am for districting Everett - Everett city council currently has no member living anywhere near the Berkshire location where they have chosen to put low-barrier housing, which effects only those in the area.

DM: What are the most important issues you want to deal with as a part of Everett City Council?

JH: In short - transparency, communication, and districting.
​
​The people of Everett should be as involved as they wish to be in every step of the decision making process. Behind the scenes meetings must be properly recorded and available for the public. I would also like to strengthen the volunteer programs in our area and look into drug crimes as a health concern rather than a legal one.​

DM: Out of all of the issues, which are in your opinion, not being fairly addressed yet by the Council and how would you like to work with them in getting things changed?

JH: As I mentioned before, the Berkshire location and low-barrier housing has been a process wrought with problems - transparency, communication, and location of the representatives being chief among them. From the day I first received an email from a Berkshire neighborhood resident, I listened, visited the area, walked around, and realized exactly what he was saying. We are paid not to make decisions that help us as individuals, but rather to represent the entire city of Everett. We need to reach out and go out of our way to understand what the problems are.​

DM: What are your other plans towards making progress in Everett with other council memebers?

JH: I very much would like to see Everett's social voluntary programs grow, which is something the current members appear to be supportive of. I would love to work with them and expand these programs.​

DM: Ideally, what would you like to see accomplished within the first 100 days on council?

JH: We need to be looking at the decisions made without all facts heard and considered and look into wording of ordinances recently passed to ensure clear language that will not be able to be construed later on. I have witnessed too many of these issues in this past year and we need to take a step back and fix these problems before we can move forward.​

DM: If you could give one message to the voters within Everett before they cast their decision by the primary, what would it be?

DM: For those who would be interested in getting involved with your campaign, donations, and more information, what links can you provide for readers such as Facebook and website?

JH: Please find me at www.facebook.com/HesseforEverett, where you can contact me directly, view all stances on issues, and respond to any of them. This is a place to agree, disagree, and for all of us to learn.

​I am not fundraising - this is a decision I made based on a huge flaw I have seen in this system for years - thousands of dollars are raised for local elections. And where does that money go? Into signs and paper that will be thrown away! I prefer using money by giving to charities that serve our city and its citizens. If you would like to be involved with my campaign, please give to charities that serve Everett and make a short announcement of support through it, volunteer, and be a voice for your neighborhood.​

DM: It's been a pleasure to speak with you about your campaign for Everett City Council. Closing, what final information would you like to leave for those reading?

JH: It would be my pleasure representing you. Please don't hesitate to
contact me - let me know what's important to you so that I can fight for
you.​ Thank you.

Steve ran for congress in 2016 as a Libertarian against Steve Santarsiero a Democrat and Brian Fitzpatrick, A Republican who ended up taking the seat. Mr Scheetz is an activist working on various projects within his community and the Libertarian Party. As he explains above he is working on a project for Justice system reform. He has also held leadership roles within the party. Below is more information about him and his Candidacy. He will be running for US Congress in 2018.

I was in attendance to this community meeting in my council district in Phoenix. The district is up for election and I have noticed that Jim Warring is running for reelection unopposed. Jeri Williams is new to the department. She started back in October and came from California where she's been in law enforcement for years. She explains about hiring more officers and talks about the most prolific crimes in the area which is property crimes. Above is a whole video of the meeting.

Questions on DCS

Arizona has a huge problem right now with DCS (Department of Child Safety (CPS)). They do not currently need warrants per state law. However Police departments may chose their involvement in enforcing laws. There is a separate division in the police department that works directly with DCS called the "Family Investigations Bureau." I was asked by a community member to ask questions related to DCS. I didn't get to ask my second question. She says it plain and simple AZ doesn't need "Warrants" to seize parental rights from parents. Doesn't this go against the 4th amendment and some others? While she went around the question a bit I got contact information and learned more about the Phoenix Police department. Below I have links in support of my claims and information about the department. This is just the beginning of my coverage on this issue as there was a Rally here last Friday that made the news.